It's fitting that the peak of vacation season coincides with the Sun's passage through Cancer (Summer Soltice), as the time for closing up shop, getting away, and relaxing with loved ones falls under The Crab's jurisdiction. If Gemini season was all about meetings, conferences, presentations, and press, then Cancer season is certainly about taking a much needed time out to catch our breath before Leo season bursts in to shove us back into the spotlight. Like Cancer, when we hit a sensory overload of too many people, places, and things it can make us easily susceptible to moodiness, irritation, and fatigue.

One of the things that I admire about Cancers (as with all water signs) is their ability to withdraw into a self-protective "shell" when their batteries need a recharge. They have no problem going off radar if the everyday world becomes too much. Ruled by the Moon and known as the zodiac's moodiest sign, Cancerian influenced people must have regular retreat or risk becoming chronically cranky.

Another thing that I love about Cancers is the way they often provide that same nurturing space to people that they love. Are you feeling tired, sad, hungry, overwhelmed? Leave it to Cancers to cocoon you up and nurse you back to health with their good food, warmth, and world-class hugs. No other sign in the zodiac does hugs better (Ok, Taurus, you too.)

As per usual, we have a lot going on in The Cosmos. We've had eclipses, New Moons, Full Moons, planets going retrograde (I see you, Mercury), as well as the recent grand cardinal cross and the Uranus-Pluto square. Many of us have been through a lot and will inevitably experience more. Life doesn't stop. However, it's during a time like Cancer season when we are called to remember how much of life we do influence by caring for ourselves and others. Happy Summer!